I have a 10 day notice to vacate in Osceola, Arkansas

(Request from Rmeana in Osceola, Arkansas) I have a 10 day notice to vacate to move. I am currently laid off for the time being. I’m a single mother of 6. My rent right now is 534.00. And lets not talk about my light bill is due. It’s currently over 900.00. I live in a small town that all of the programs that might help are out of funds right now. Help please.

Dear Rmeana,

I expected that the Mississippi County rental assistance programs would be running out of money. Due to the widespread poverty in and around where you live, social programs simply cannot keep up with demand. Here is what we show to be available to local residents.

Benefit Bank of Arkansas

While you can certainly knock on the doors of several agencies, the Benefit Bank of Arkansas can help you maximize all public benefits for which you may qualify. This is a great starting point since so many rental assistance programs require that you exhaust all public benefits before you may access their funding pool.

The organization that serves as the local Benefit Bank partner is the South Mississippi County Ministerial Alliance. This association of local churches collaborates to provide supportive services to families in need. The base of this program is at the Osceola United Methodist Church on South Pecan Street in Osceola.

Any public benefit that can provide you with rental assistance as well as help with your light bill will be identified. Additionally, if you qualify for any other benefit you can get help enrolling for those programs as well. It really serves as a time saver, allowing you to be screened and apply for all applicable public benefits at one location.

If you would like to speak with a representative there that can help you, call 870-563-2688 to schedule an appointment. That way they can work with you to answer questions and ensure that you receive the maximum benefits for which you are qualified.

Other Options

Another nearby rental assistance agency only works with Tipton County residents for the purposes of rental assistance. Still it is worth checking with Tipton Cares to see if there are any other forms of support that can help your family get by while you search for another job.

The South Mississippi County United Way may also be able to link you to partner agencies that receive funding to provide aid to local families. You may call their W. Lee Avenue office in Osceola at 901-606-8657.

Borrowing money for rent and utilities is not a good option since you are out of work. Lenders need to see that you have verifiable income.

You will need to determine if you can truly afford to remain in your current rental home. Back rent may catch you up, but will you be able to pay rent and utilities on a permanent basis? Consider if you may qualify for low-rent housing through a HUD funded program. Reduced rent apartments may be cheaper than your current rent, and many include utilities for free. Call 870-563-6662 to request vacancy and eligibility information in Osceola.

Whatever you decide, a 10 day notice to vacate in Osceola means that you need to line up a suitable living situation quickly. While some organizations can assist with emergency rent or transitional housing, it can take time to work out admission into a permanently affordable housing solution.